Obtencion de la monotona de generacion

It has been argued that there is a connection between organised religion and the progression of personal values, morals and conduct, which has served to impact on the business world (Williams and Zinkin, 2010). Several studies including Epstein (2002); Sacks (2004); Stackhouse et al. (1995); Tamari (1990) and Zinkin (2007) stated that the Bible, Quran and Rabbinic texts (Abrahamic faiths) dictate how business transactions ought to be carried out. This view has been supported through several studies using empirical research to examine the links between religion and ethical values (Angelidis and Ibrahim 1993; Angelidis and Ibrahim, 2004; Miesing and

Preble, 1985; Smith and Oakley, 1996; Terpstra et al, 1993). This was also indicated in research showing the effect of religion upon managerial decisions and attitude (Agle and Van Buren, 1999; Kidwell et al., 1987; Longenecker et al., 2004). The Interfaith Declaration on business ethics (Declaration, 1994) aimed to create a code of shared moral, ethical and spiritual values found in the Abrahamic faiths with the intention for it to be used as a standard for international business behaviour. The aim behind this initiative was to encourage corporations to hold responsibility for their behaviour.

As already discussed in chapter one, religion (specifically Islam) plays an important role in almost every aspect of life in the Saudi Arabian society. Consequently, it is not unreasonable to expect the practices and understanding of Islam to have a substantial influence on the current implementation of CSR in Saudi Arabia. Importantly, charitable giving is a common practice, which is undertaken regularly and with great social acceptance; with the aim of improving various aspects of society. Tamkeen (2010) stated that as Islam is the State religion of Saudi Arabia wielding power which influences culture and governance; incorporating social welfare from the core values of Islam. Wynbrandt (2010) argued that the location of the holiest site of worship for Muslims worldwide has meant, despite changing trends in the economy, society remains predominantly traditional and government and domestic policies are based upon interpretation of Islam.

Furthermore, Wynbrandt stated that Islam plays a major role in shaping customs, culture, norms, domestic policy, education, business practices and importantly directs believers to give to those in need at every opportunity. Similarly, the Oxford Business Group (2013) found that Saudi domestic policy was heavily influenced by religion.

One of the key links between Islam and CSR practice in Saudi Arabia stems from the perception that CSR is a form of Zakat (charity) by the corporations. Zakat is one of the five main pillars of faith in Islam, which stipulates that Muslims should give 2.5 percent of their wealth annually in the form of charity to help the poor. This represents a major incentive and driver for Saudi corporations to contribute to society. Khurshid et al. (2014) connected the concept and practice of Zakat by businesses to their CSR role, and argued that Islam assumes a holistic approach to corporate social responsibility, combining the spiritual visions as depicted in the Shari’a and Quran; describing the relationships between people, nature and others. Similarly, Beekun and Badawi (2005) supported the view that aspects of Islam and CSR are linked arguing that this concept is articulated in the Shari’a law as well as the Sunnah (the sayings of the Prophet Mohamed) placing emphasis on justice, public welfare, companions, customs, and legal precedent. Beekun and Badawi (2005) described business activities in Saudi as conforming to the Islamic and business ethics, which demonstrate cross-fertility between Islam and the demands of CSR. Placing these findings in the context of the discussion about the relationship between CSR and charity presented in the CSR definition section of chapter two, it could be implied that corporate philanthropy (not strategic CSR) plays an important role in current CSR practices in Saudi Arabia. This stems from the way religious concepts and values appear to dominate the motivation and understanding of CSR in Saudi Arabia.

As discussed in the definitions in chapter one, the practice of CSR asserts that businesses operate ethically while upholding morality and preserving the environment (Abdull Razak, 2015). This perspective is highlighted in the Quran in many verses; for example, preservation of the natural environment is quoted in Quran (6, 165 and 2:

30). Ethical Business considerations, prohibiting corruption in business transactions are quoted in the Quran (2: 188) and by the prophet Mohamed (Sahih Bukhari4_{: vol.}

3, book 43, no. 634), and ethical considerations regarding the treatment of workers are quoted by the prophet (Sahih Bukhari, 3, p. 258). Beekun and Badawi (2005) stated that all those quotations in the Quran and by the prophet are part of the core elements of CSR. In this context, Golan and Salem (2013) argued that CSR initiatives by both private and public corporations in Saudi Arabia are mainly governed by the religious doctrines of Islam and Islamic business ethics show a significant connection between the elements of Islamic faith and the demands of CSR. In general, the concept of giving is deep rooted in Islamic faith and values and provides a constant motivation for Saudi individuals, as well as corporations to continuously contribute to common good of society, which makes this aspect of the Islamic faith compatible with CSR concepts. The following sub-section elaborates on the emphasis of the concept of giving in Islam.

The Concept of Giving in Islam

From a Saudi context, Islamic ethics require social responsibility towards the community and society in general; this includes ‘giving’ as Islam believes charity or giving increases and protects wealth. Saudi operates under the norms of Islamic religion, linking the metaphysical to spiritual causes; the Quran says charity wards off evil. Muslims believe the amount one gives in charity, will be increased by Allah

4 _{Sahih al-Bukhari is a collection of reports describing the words, actions or habits of the}

Prophet Mohammad compiled by Imam Muhammad al-Bukhari (870 AD). His collection is recognised by the overwhelming majority of the Muslim world to be the most authentic

collection of reports of the Prophet Mohammad. It contains over 7500 reports (with

tenfold as well as knowledge. Beliefs about charity are taken from the Quran; for example, several sayings of the prophet Muhammad referred to the spirit of brotherhood such as “you will not believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself”. Spiritually this saying requires those with wealth to give selflessly to those who do not have. The Quran reminds people about charity and the effects of being selfish and the dangers of pride. It also regards those who have failed to support the orphans and the poor as having rejected the faith. For these reasons, Saudi has a variety of charitable programmes to help the poor.

For example, Zakat is a mandatory requirement for all employed Saudi citizens. In addition sometimes-wealthy Saudi citizens give other forms of charity as described in Hadith (sayings and examples of the Prophet) for improving the livelihood of the needy. Golan and Salem (2013) explain Zakat applies to individuals, businesses and companies operating within the country; it is paid through the government or personal Zakat and is paid directly to the needy. Saudi’s religion can be seen as relevant to CSR in two distinct ways; firstly, based on the traditional focus of Islamic charity; Saudi society believes participating in Islamic charity stands to benefit an individual and those attached to him or her, as well as contributing towards a beneficial after-life in accordance with Islamic ethics. Secondly, society believes Islamic charity yields immediate rewards. Sentuk (2007) points to Sadqa (voluntary charity) a traditional form of charity. This is an individual contribution (not performed by business organisations) acting as part of CSR in Saudi Arabia. Islam is founded on the belief that as long as someone generates wealth they have a responsibility to help others. These forms of charity are at a societal level and are comparable to the corporate

social responsibility of businesses. Islam is a major driver of why individuals and companies participate in charitable acts regularly.